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Library of Things

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With your OC Public Libraries card, you have access to much more than books! The Library of Things collection includes backpacks and kits with themed materials, games, and technology for you to checkout. Check back for updated items and collections!

How to Search Library of Things

FAQ

To check out a Library of Things item, you must have a full-privileges OC Public Libraries card in good standing.

To check out Chromebooks, Kitchen Tools, Musical Instruments, Technology Gadgets, Tools, Toys not in backpacks, Outdoor Items, Garden Tools, Arts & Crafts, Educational Items, and Outdoor Games, you must be 18 and older.

The Library of Things collection is housed at all OC Public Libraries’ branches. Search the library catalog to see information about specific items carried at each branch.

Backpack Kits, Book Club Kits, Tabletop Games, Chromebooks, Hotspots, Kitchen Tools, Technology Gadgets, Tools, Toys, Musical Instruments, Outdoor Items, Garden Tools, Arts & Crafts, Educational Items, and Outdoor Games. Search the library catalog to see information about individual items.

In addition to locating items through the Library of Things home page, there are many ways you can find these items by searching the catalog directly. You can search the catalog by :

  • Changing the left most drop down menu near the home button from “Everything” to “Library of Things”, “Backpacks”, or “Board Games” and clicking on the search button.
  • Entering “library of things” in the subject field.
  • Entering “puzzles and games” in the subject field to view tabletop games.
  • Entering a keyword in the keyword search to find an individual item. Example: "guitar library of things", “Chromebook” or “BookClub2Go”.
  • Using advanced search to limit your search by selecting “Library of Things”, “Backpacks”, or “Board Games” under the limits section.

Select your item from the Library of Things display at the available libraries. The item can then be checked out at the self-checkout stations using your library card or at the service desk. Not all items are on display due to size, so inquire with library staff by bringing the displayed placeholder to the service desk.

Because of the delicate nature of the items and their size, Library of Things items must be returned on or before the due date inside the same branch library you checked out the item. Do not place in the bookdrop.

Before checking out item, borrowers should review item in the presence of library staff to confirm it is complete and undamaged.

If item is lost or damaged, please report the item immediately to your library.

The borrower is solely responsible for the item and will be billed for reasonable repair or replacement costs associated with damage or loss of item and/or peripherals due to neglect or abuse.

The checkout period is three weeks.

Each type has different renew or hold policies. See each section on the Library of Things page for more information.

Each type has different limits. See each section on the Library of Things page for more information.

Backpacks

  • Full-access card holders (no eCards or Internet Only) in good standing 
  • 3-week checkout 
  • Not renewable
  • Each backpack counts as 1 checkout
  •  Limit 2 backpacks per card
Girl reading with flashlight under the covers

Binge Ready Books

Approximately 10 children's titles from a selected series or author’s works stored in a backpack.

Boy looking through binoculars

California State Library Parks Pass Backpack

Get ready to explore! Each backpack comes with a California State Parks Pass, pocket guides, and a set of binoculars.

Man reading to a young girl sitting in his lap

Kindergarten Readiness

Get ready for school with OC Public Libraries Kindergarten Readiness Backpack! Each backpack contains 1 backpack, 2 books, and supplemental materials to support different Kindergarten Readiness developmental areas.

Diverse hands on a yellow wall

Mental Health

Our Mental Health Backpacks are aimed at supporting individuals by providing language to help define struggles, a resource guide for next steps, and access to literature in order to feel informed rather than alone.

Building Blocks

Toys

Inspire creativity and curiosity with the power of play!

Book Club Kits

  • Full-access card holders (no eCards or Internet Only) in good standing 
  • 6-week checkout
  • Not renewable
  • Each kit counts as 1 checkout
  • Limit 2 kits per card
People discussing

Book Club Kits

Hosting your own book club? Check out these book club kits providing multiple copies of selected titles and discussion questions.

Library of Things

  • Full-access, Adult card holders (no eCards or Internet Only) in good standing 
  • 3-week checkout 
  • Must be returned at owning branch
  • Not renewable
  • Not holdable - contact owning branch for more information
  • Limit 2 per card

Proper Care and Use

  • Use care when handling
  • Return with all parts and components
  • Clean and sanitize items before returning
  • Borrower is solely responsible for item and will be billed for reasonable repair or replacement costs associated with damage or loss or items and/or peripherals due to neglect or abuse.
Arts & Crafts

Arts & Crafts

Experience the joy of making your own items or mending something you already have.

Educational Items

Educational Items

Unlock the power of learning and exploring.

Garden Tools

Garden Tools

Items to help you start or maintain your garden!

Stand Mixer

Kitchen Tools

Test out various kitchen tools and gadgets!

Hands playing a guitar

Musical Instruments

Discover your musical talents! Check out our collection of musical instruments and accessories including drums, guitars, keyboards, metronomes, synthesizers and more.

Croquet Set

Outdoor Games

Find sports equipment and lawn games in our Outdoor Games collection!

70mm Travel Telescope

Outdoor Items

Try out a telescope, metal detector, and more!

Overhead Ring Light with Camera Mount

Tech

Checkout a projector for movie night, a karaoke machine for music night, or play those old LP's on a record player.

Tools

Tools

Tools for home improvement or projects around the house.

Building Blocks

Toys

Inspire creativity and curiosity with the power of play!

Seed Library

NEW!

OC Public Libraries' Seed Library pilot program is designed to promote community gardening and sustainable living. Thanks to a generous grant from the California State Library, this initiative is here to inspire community gardening and sustainable living, one seed at a time. Seed libraries help create habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators essential for healthy ecosystems and food production. By giving our communities free access to seeds, OCPL helps families grow their own fresh produce, helping to foster environmental stewardship by reducing reliance on industrial agriculture, cutting down on packaging waste, and encouraging eco-friendly practices like composting and water conservation.

While we are not collecting seeds back, we encourage participants to let us know how things grow! Your tips, success stories, and suggestions for new varieties will help us keep blooming and evolving this program.

Seed Libraries are available now at six branches: Brea, Costa Mesa, El Toro, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and Westminster.

  • Adult patrons can borrow up to three seed packets per month.

  • One checkout per seed variety each month to keep things fair and accessible. 

  • Seeds are available while supplies last. 

Tabletop Games

  • Full-access card holders (no eCards or Internet Only) in good standing 
  • 3-week checkout
  • May be renewed if no holds pending
Miscellaneous board game pieces on a chess board

Board Games

Host your own game night or have a jigsaw puzzle party!

Hands putting jigsaw pieces together

Jigsaw Puzzles

Check out our collection of jigsaw puzzles from 80 pieces to 1,000 pieces.

Technology

  • Full-access card holders (no eCards or Internet Only) in good standing 
  • 3-week checkout
  • Not renewable
  • Limit of one (1) of each type per user
  • Must sign a borrower agreement
  • For Chromebooks, card holders must be ages 18 and over
  • For Hotspots, Parent/Guardian must sign agreement if patron is under 18.
Man using laptop

Chromebook Kit

Check out an Acer Chromebook netbook to access the Internet using Google Chrome. Materials provided by the California State Library and the Southern California Library Cooperative.

Wifi Icon

WiFi Hotspots

As part of the Internet Access Initiative, Wifi hotspots are available at OC Public Libraries branches and Mobile Library.